Every Child Deserves a Canvas

Joy is seeing children who have experienced heartache and trauma in life come to discover their potential, feel their worth, and find their voice. That’s the aim of Wesley Mission’s Rising Artists Christmas Exhibition for children in Out of Home Care (foster care). Now in its third year, this remarkable exhibition continues to showcase the raw, unfiltered creativity of young people navigating the foster care system, inviting the community to come together in celebration and support. 

For many of these children, the journey through foster care is filled with uncertainty and upheaval. Yet, within the walls of the exhibition, something truly special happens: their voices are amplified, their God-given value affirmed, their talents uplifted, and their dreams put on display for all to see. “Some kids have never known what it’s like to have their pictures put up on the fridge,” reflects Virginia Meers, Wesley Mission’s Ministry Coordinator. “We want them to have their own Archibald Prize.” 

The 130 artworks to be displayed have been produced by children and youth in art workshops held throughout the year in Sydney and in regional areas as far north as Ballina, facilitated by Wesley Mission chaplains. They’ll be displayed in Wesley Mission’s pop-up gallery at 220 Pitt Street from 29 November to Christmas Day. During that time, the children’s artistic expressions and written descriptions will be viewed by thousands of people in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. 

The exhibition’s judges are accomplished professional artists who volunteer their time and gifts to uplift all these Rising Artists. The judges award prizes for particularly outstanding works, of course. But they also award every child with a personal certificate. “This isn’t a ‘participation award,’” explains Joanna Garratt, Wesley Mission’s lead chaplain. “It’s a recognition of the unique beauty and immeasurable value we see in every child’s artistic expression.”  

The Rising Artists Christmas Exhibition is a celebration of the idea that fostering creativity is a powerful way to foster healing, growth, and confidence in young lives. Visitors to the exhibition will leave with full hearts, having shared the privilege of seeing the inner worlds of the artists: their very real struggles, their remarkable resilience, and their authentic joy.  

Beyond its primary purpose of celebrating and encouraging the Rising Artists themselves, the exhibition is also an inspirational invitation to the broader community to consider how they might make a direct difference. Many children across New South Wales still await the warmth and stability of a loving home. By opening your heart to their stories, perhaps you might also consider opening your home to a child in need. Becoming a foster carer is an extraordinary way to change a life.  

As the exhibition’s artists show us, every child deserves a chance to dream. And to know the joy of being loved. 

What: Wesley Missions 3rd Annual Rising Artists Christmas Exhibition 

Where: Wesley Mission, 220 Pitt St, Sydney CBD 

When: 29 Nov-25 Dec 

Admission: Free 

Consider becoming a foster carer and help change the life of a child in need.